Green Odyssey: Eco Tourism in Switzerland

Switzerland is nature's bounty that has beautiful valley and frolicking hills, intertwining river, majestic glaciers, and thick green canopy of forests. The most famous tourist destination here is Swiss Alps, which is undoubtedly the most important natural landmark in the country. Switzerland is a small country in Central Europe. It is surrounded by Germany, Austria, Italy, and France from all the sides. Switzerland's climate is temperate, but altitude changes can affect the climate by making it cold, cool, humid, rainy, or snowy. The Alps occupies 60% of the surface of Switzerland.

Eco Tourism in Switzerland

The Alps mountain range stretches from France to Austria across Switzerland - hence the range falling in the Swiss region are known as the Swiss Alps. The country also has beautiful cities and towns that dot the varied landscape and are an absolute delight for the tourist who seeks solace in natural beauty. Truly, Switzerland is one of the most pristine countries where nature is abundant and pure.

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Eco Tourism In Switzerland

Holidays in Switzerland, are recognized as one of the most respected in the world.It leaves no one indifferent to the high level of service, excellent infrastructure, the city of unique beauty and spas sports and entertainment venues

Destination

1. Geneva Tourism

Geneva is located at the southwestern end of Lake Geneva that flows out to the Rhone River; it is also surrounded by the majestic Alps and Jura mountains. Geneva, the second most populated city in Switzerland, is home to many and hence can be termed as a cosmopolitan metropolis. Apart from urbanized areas, the city has thick forests and agricultural land that makes it very appealing and therefore, the city has a very temperate climate. The city houses headquarters of many prestigious world organizations such as the United Nations Europe HQ as well as the Red Cross. Geneva is the host city for many festivals, trade fairs, and humanitarian events.

Green credentials

1. Famous for its wine and cuisine
2. Red Cross and United Nations (Europe) HQ
3. Hosts festivals and trade fairs
4. City has a 2000 years old historical and cultural heritage
5. Popularly known for the European United Nations and Red Cross HQ.

Lugano, a city that lies next to Lake Lugano, is located in the south of Switzerland and borders Italy. It has a very warm and pleasant climate and is therefore a hot destination for celebrities who refer to Lugano as the "Monte Carlo of Switzerland". Lugano, a thriving financial center of Switzerland where the way of life is predominated by banking and business, is also rich in greenery and beautiful landscapes. This city has a perfect mix of culture and business, amazing scenic beauty along with Lombardic architecture - making it a perfect tourist stop.

Green credentials

1. Exquisite exhibitions
2. Mediterranean climate
3. Variety in cuisine
4. Wide range of sports and excursions
5. Lush and green landscape with vegetation

Zurich, the most populated and beautiful city of Switzerland, is located around the northwestern end of the scenic Lake Zurich and is geographically the 'heart' of Switzerland due to its central position. Zurich is at a close proximity to the Alps and boasts of rolling hills, clear rivers and lakes, peaceful woods, traditional villages - that will appeal to any tourist. The city is actually surrounded by nature from all sides - the Alps and thick forests. The city of Zurich is also known for its stance to protect the environment and climate - as the people voted in a referendum to place a limit on the amount of CO2 released per person.

Eco credentials

1. Over 100 operas and galleries and over 50 museums.
2. Shopping haven for tourists - especially at the Limmatquai and Bahnhofstrasse.
3. Entertainment - theater, ballet, musicals, shows, art exhibitions, etc.
4. World class cuisines being served at over 1,700 bars and restaurants, along with traditional Swiss and Zurich delicacies too.

The Alps is one of the greatest mountain ranges in Europe that crosses through Switzerland - and that part of the range is known as the Swiss Alps. The Swiss Alps are the main attraction of Switzerland with the varied snow sports and adventure activities - both in winters and summers. Essentially, the Alps are a distinct ecosystem, which can be divided into five climatic zones - each having a distinct flora and fauna.

Eco Credentials

1. Two highest peaks of the Swiss Alps are Dufourspice and Matterhorn.
2. Thousands of glaciers dot the landscape for over a thousand square miles.
3. Longest European river - the Rhone and the Rhine - have their source in the Swiss Alps.
4. Jura - a central plateau with rolling hills- covers 23% of the Swiss region.
5. Swiss Alps are perfect for various snow and water sports like water surfing, paragliding, mountaineering, ice skiing, adventure sports, skating, etc.

5. Montreux

The picturesque towns of Montreux and Vevey are situated near the northeastern shore of Lake Geneva and at the foot of the Alps. The sheer beauty of the lakeside with steamships making their way up and down, the beautiful hotels with the celebrity guests and the ideal snow-capped mountains is a delight for the senses. This region is also well-known for vine cultivation due to the abundance of sunlight coupled with the alpine climate. The perfect climate of Montreux and Vevey adds on to making it a favorite tourist getaway.

Green credentials

1. Perfect weather and warm sunlight.
2. Picturesque lakeside of Lake Geneva.
3. An amazing panoramic view of Switzerland.
4. Vine cultivation.
5. Most popular Montreux Jazz Festival and other cultural activities.

1. Genevais a cosmopolitan global city that not only hosts many cultural and humanitarian events but is also one of the most scenic cities in Switzerland as it is nestled between the snow-capped Alps and thick luscious forests.

2. Zurich is a visual treat with its beautiful panoramic view of the Alps and the beautiful Lake Zurich - the rolling hills, rivers, picture-perfect villages and greenery make it a dream-like destination.

3. Lugano is a financial city where banking and business form the major crux of work; however, the beauty of the city makes it an ideal destination for the tourists who seek a blend of natural beauty, magnificent architecture, and heritage sites.

4. Locarno Tourism

Locarno is situated at the northern end of Lake Maggiore, near the Alps. The city has a green subtropical plantation and a great climate to go with it. The city transforms during the night; soft melodies floating from restaurants and bars make the atmosphere enchanting. The city gets a glimpse of itself in the lake with its bright lights that shine and make it look surreal.

5. Lucerne Tourism

Lucerne - the most populated city in central Switzerland - is a car-free zone and therefore the town is better explored by walking. Lucerne is a small town that is located near Lake Lucerne and is surrounded by the scenic beauty of Mount Rigi and Pilatus in the Swiss Alp range. The city is predominantly covered in thick forests and agricultural land and walking around is a delight in this perfect and scenic town.

Eco System

Switzerland is placed in the center of Western Europe and is bordered by five countries - namely Germany, France, Austria, Liechtenstein, and Italy. Switzerland possesses 6% of the total freshwater reserves in Europe. The country shares some large lakes and five river basins with its neighbors. It is also contributes to and is a source of many important European rivers such as the Aare, Rhine, Rhone, Inn (that later joins the Danube river), and Ticino (a tributary of the River Po).

Switzerland has great groundwater reserves, and many artificial and natural lakes. The Swiss forests cover 31% of the region and are sustainably maintained - aiding in controlling floods and providing good quality water. Swiss regulations prohibit the use of fertilizers and pesticides, except in rare instances. Areas for landfills are forbidden in the forest regions. Many eco-friendly products are used in place of the regular fuels and lubricants.

The best drinking water comes from the forest

Forests in the region called Altdorf are a protected wetland that not only provide safety against avalanches and landslides, but is also responsible for filtering the water through its soil. A turbine near the steel slopes of the mountain provides hydro-electricity that caters to 300 households annually.

Forests for flood mitigation

Earlier, in Ticino and Lugano, there were instances of losses due to flooding in the villages. After 120 years, intensive reforestation and agriculture led to reduced risks of flooding.

Eco-adventure

The Swiss Ticino region boasts of a rugged mountain terrain, glistening glaciers, fine wine, modern hotels, and excellent cuisine. Tourists can enjoy eating the mouth-watering local cheese and the adventurous activities inside canyons and over boulders.

Luscious lakes, boutique bolt holes and creamy cheeses

Upon your arrival in Zurich, you will be taken through the most amazing mountain panorama to Ticino's Gotthard Pass. Hiking up to the mountaintops will give you a tremendous view of the splendid Lake Lucendro. You can then retire to your room in one of the most exquisite Swiss hotels and there is one property called Hotel Claustra that is located within the San Gottardo Mountain! Switzerland is renowned for its cheese and Airolo - a cheese dairy will make your dream come true by allowing you to have a taste of the variety of cheese, fondues, and raclette made in Switzerland.

Boulders and canyons for adrenalin

Switzerland has a great topography for mountain sports and you can indulge in all the adrenaline-boosting adventure activities such as bouldering (under expert guidance) at Cresciano. Ticino is the best bouldering area in the world and the immense joy you get when you are above the world and looking down on the amazing view of the Swiss lakes and valleys is surreal.

Mediterranean islands and chic shops

The tourist will have plenty to see when in Switzerland and one such must-see place is the beautiful islands of Brissago that are situated close to the Italian border. These islands are covered in luscious green vegetation, each island has its very own exotic garden with subtropical plants and swans, and on top of that, the balmy Mediterranean weather is pure bliss!

Green Delicacy

Dairy Products

A typical Swiss diet has many dairy products, and milk is a staple beverage that is served frequently during the day. Likewise, cheese come up to a close second while the raclettes and fondues are a popular dish that are made out of melted cheese in cider or wine. In Switzerland, fruits are served fresh from orchards that are aplenty in the country. Cherries and apples are a favorite in local cooking - such as tarts, puddings, fritters, or fruit soups. Yoghurt and fruit is also gaining a lot of popularity in recent times.

Fruits and Vegetables

Switzerland grows many vegetables such as the cabbage, squash, turnips, Swiss chard, etc., but none can beat the popularity of the humble potato. The number of dishes that are made with potatoes as its main ingredient are numerous. Cheese is also a very important part of Swiss food - whether it is in sauces, croquettes, souffles, or pies. Every canton in Switzerland has its special and distinct cheese soup to go along with bread in any form.

Meat and Alternatives

Fish, meat, and game are quite expensive in Switzerland and are cooked and eaten with a lot of respect and care. Fish is treated like a delicacy, whereas eggs and legumes are not eaten individually and are normally incorporated as in ingredient in some dish.

Breads and Grains

Breads and rolls are a distinct and important part of a Swiss spread of food. They are the main attraction of breakfast and are normally accompanied with many dishes. Many pasta and noodle dishes are also served in both the Swiss and Italian way. Rice, which has always been used as an emergency food, is also finding a way into the Swiss cuisine and.

Fats

Fats are a major ingredient in Swiss cooking being used as cheese, cream and butter - even animal fats are used. However, oil is only limited to being a salad dressing.

Sweets and Snacks

The Swiss pastry shops abound in a huge variety of sweets and chocolate is considered more as a food than as a sweet dish in Switzerland. The Swiss have a lot of sweet dishes for their meals and normally do eat bread and jam - however, at times, they might even indulge in the occasional 'sweet pastry' supper!

Beverages

'Milchkafee' or 'cafe au late' is the most famous beverage of all, followed by hot chocolate and tea. However, some areas prefer the Italian or French wines, and German-speaking areas prefer the beer. In all, the Swiss refrain from the intake of many alcoholic beverages.

Rich green culture

Switzerland is well known for its clean environment, discipline, punctuality, and the country's commitment to peace has made the country a safe haven for artists to indulge in creative work. Folk music like yodeling is a popular form whereas the Schuplattler is a vibrant dance in Switzerland. Woodcarving and embroidery are also commonplace here. Winter sports include mountaineering and skiing; wrestling is also popular in Switzerland. The country is an amalgamation of three cultural and linguistic regions - French, German, and Italian. Switzerland is a natural haven and holds one of the most commendable environmental protection records in the developed world in trying to retain sustainability and an eco-friendly approach towards life.

Eco Tourism in Switzerland